Tea is tasty and healthy, besides being reinvigorating. No wonder so many just can’t do without it, especially early in the morning and after lunch when energy levels tend to dip. But a new study suggests consuming hot tea might cause serious consequences for certain people.

Popularity of hot tea can be easily gauged from the fact that no fewer than 2.9 million tons of it was consumed worldwide in the year 2016. With that said, a new study done by Chinese researchers states drinking hot tea can be extremely bad for people who habitually drink and smoke.

Esophageal cancer is ranked as 8th most common cancer in the world. Every year thousands of people are diagnosed with this cancer in the U.S. The Chinese researchers have found that people who regularly drink and smoke and, top of it, drink hot tea have a significantly higher risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Chinese people drink more tea than the citizens of any other country. Additionally, incidence rates of esophageal cancer in China are also among the highest in the world. Researchers state that Chinese men especially are more likely to consume hot tea, as well as alcohol and cigarettes.

In this research, they found 5 times greater risk of esophageal cancer in people who drink hot tea and regularly consume alcohol and smoke compared to those who didn’t consume hot tea, alcohol, or cigarettes.

Interestingly, people who only drink hot tea and didn’t smoke or consume alcohol were not found to be at greater risk of developing esophageal cancer. This suggests that it is the combination of these three that’s most dangerous, from the point of view of developing esophageal cancer.

Researchers suggest that people should carefully pick their habits and at the very least abstain from hot tea if they are finding it difficult to quit smoking or drinking.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.